PHOTOSHOP TUTORIAL: HOW TO CREATE A REALISTIC DROP SHADOW

This Photoshop tutorial will teach you the step-by-step process for adding a drop shadow to an image that looks as natural as if the sun did the work for you.

If you’ve ever wanted to know how to add a drop shadow to an existing image, you’ve come to the right place. In this Photoshop tutorial you’ll learn the step-by-step process for adding a drop shadow that looks as natural as if the sun did the work for you.

Start with an image that has a white background or has had the background removed. If you need to go through that process first and need a helping hand, check out our “how to” tutorial for removing a background.

Start by opening your desired image in Photoshop, open the image layer and double-click in the blank space. This will bring up a window Layer Style.

Choose Drop Shadow under Styles, Blending Options.

Moving the shadow off to the right makes it easier to work with. Keeping the Opacity at 50%, adjust the size to get a “fuzzy look” around the edges of the shadow. Click OK.

Next, go to Layer > Layer Style > Create Layer. Click OK.

This removes the Layer Style and it adds it on its own separate layer.

Move the drop shadow back to the original spot behind the image subject.

Next, go to CMD+T (Mac) or CTRL+T (PC) to begin the transformation process, dragging the small visible dot all the way down to the bottom of the image.

Continue to tweak the shadow by positioning it to a place near the subject where it would appear naturally as a shadow.

Want a few extra tricks? Hold down the CMD key (Mac) down or the CTRL key (PC) to get the little icon to move the corners around and slant them a little to get a more realistic shadow appearance. Then click Return.

You can also into the layer mask or remove the extra shadow bits at the front of the subject for a cleaner appearance.

The last step it to adjust the opacity settings to lighten the shadow’s appearance to your liking.

Final image with realistic shadow

So there you have it, the quick and easy process for adding a natural-looking drop shadow to your image. Want to keep learning? Check out our tutorial for transforming your average photo into a pencil sketched work of art.

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